The updated 2018 Mazda 6 has had the covers lifted to reveal a new design and new turbo engine option, along with technology and chassis improvements.
The 2018 Mazda 6 will be offered in four trim levels; Sport, Touring, GT and Atenza.
The 2018 model year sees the addition of the 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the CX-9 used in the GT and Atenza models. This will give the Mazda 6 better performance credentials with 170kW of power and 420Nm of torque available. This engine also features a cylinder deactivation function for improved fuel consumption.
The 2.5-litre turbo-petrol utilises Mazda's industry-first Dynamic Pressure Turbo which builds boost nearly instantaneously by using a small inlet port in conjunction with a secondary valve that opens at higher RPM for increased airflow and maximum power. A pulse-scavenging 4-3-1 manifold is also used to prevent exhaust backpressure and assist the engine to breathe freely.
In terms of exterior design, the new 2018 Mazda 6 sees a new grille, standard LED headlights with integrated fog lamps, new tail-lights, new boot lid and rear bumper design as well as new 17- and 19-inch wheel designs. Soul Red Crystal also makes its debut on the Mazda 6 as well as Machine grey.
The interior has undergone a significant remodelling with only the steering wheel and a few trim pieces retained from the outgoing model. At the top of the makeover list is a new horizontally stretched dashboard which emphasises the width of the Mazda 6. The Atenza models also gain Sen wood, Nappa leather with gold-tinted UltraSuede NU on the doors, seats and dashboard.
The front seats have been redesigned now featuring wider, high-density, vibration-absorbing urethane foam with the intention of keeping the front passengers’ spines in the natural S-shape used when standing. Atenza models now get ventilated front seats and redesigned rear seats with the same high-density urethane foam.
Technology upgrades for the Mazda 6 include a 360-degree View Monitor, 8.0-inch MZD Connect infotainment display with sharper colour and contrast, full-speed Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, lane keep assist, Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) and windshield-projected head-up display.
Atenza models will also gain a reconfigurable 7.0-inch TFT gauge display. Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto are still missing from the spec sheet though.
The chassis has also been improved now offering increased comfort, dynamics and handing. The steering rack is now rigid-mounted to the chassis for greater steering response and feel, and the SKYACTIV-CHASSIS has been stiffened. Thicker sheet metal now also stiffens the chassis in the rear wheel-wells, extra chassis bracing and thicker trailing link mounts for the rear suspension complete the improvements.
Along with the turbo petrol engine, the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol will be available, offering 140kW/252Nm for the Sport and Touring models.
There will also be the 2.2-litre SKYACTIVE-D diesel engine available as an option form the Touring grade up.
The new Mazda 6 is expected to go on sale in Australia from the second half of 2018 with full specification and pricing to be announced closer to that date.
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